Crews preparing for wintry mix

Garrett Byers/Daily Courier
Crews from the NC Department of Transportation spread salt brine in both directions of Poors Ford Road near Rutherfordton Thursday afternoon, preparing for a possible icy mix today. According to the National Weather Service, there is a strong possibility of winter weather today across Rutherford County that will include sleet, freezing rain and mixture of snow.

FOREST CITY —

Crews from the North Carolina Department of Transportation spent much of the day Thursday putting brine on Rutherford County roadways in anticipation of a wintery mix today. Brine, a salt-water mixture, is a cost-effective way to help prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement.

As DOT trucks were traveling the county's road spreading the brine, members of the North Carolina Highway Patrol were instructed by the district sergeant to put snow tires on all their vehicles, said Trooper Jason Spence.

Matt Taylor, DOT's County Maintenance Director said the salt brine was being put on roads all day and spreaders were also put on the DOT vehicles in case of the icy mix.

"From what they are saying this has a real possibility of freezing rain, sleet, mixed with snow. It may get messy," Taylor said.

"If we get some freezing rain and the wind starts blowing, we could have a number of trees down," he said.

"There is a potential for the mix on Friday morning, but it looks like the bulk of the storm will be on Friday evening," Taylor continued.

Taylor said the DOT was trying to get "on the front end of the storm" and if there is wintry mix, the maintenance trucks will be working on the bare pavement until the snow stops.

After the pre-treatment of the roads Thursday evening, all trucks were refitted with plows and spreaders and are on standby until needed.

In addition to the crews out in Rutherford County Thursday, across the state there are more than 1,900 trucks equipped with snow plows and graders in addition to 325 front-end loads and backhoes and 450 motor graders, the NCDOT reported.